Overwinter treatment

The type of Chrysanthemum that we sell will need to be stored in frost free conditions over the winter.

If you have them planted in the ground, the plants should be lifted in the autumn and any soil cleaned from the roots. Cut top growth down to around 15 cms (6 inches). It does no harm to dip the rootball in a disinfectant, such as Jeyes Fluid, for a few minutes to maintain cleanliness. Some growers also use a hot water dip to control eelworm, the recommended treatment is five minutes in water at 46 degrees celsius. After this dry the stools thoroughly, trim the roots to about 15cms (6 inches) in length and then box them in seed trays using an open compost. Keep in an airy and frost free place. Keep the compost barely moist but do not allow to dry out completely. Plants grown in pots can be moved into a frost free place for the winter and, as above, kept on the dry side.

In the early spring start watering to encourage growth. Varieties not covered by Plant Breeders Rights should be propagated from soft cuttings to provide strong plants for the following season. Remember not to put Chrysanthemums outside until the danger of frost has passed.